This study examines translation accuracy, challenges, and improvement strategies in Indonesian-to-English translations by university students, specifically analyzing Goenawan Muhammad’s essay “Nama.” A descriptive mixed-methods design was employed, combining qualitative thematic analysis with quantitative statistical methods. The study involved a sample of 406 students, with translations evaluated based on accuracy, readability, and cultural competence. Statistical analyses, including correlation and logistic regression, revealed significant positive relationships between cultural references, cultural competence, and translation accuracy. Key findings show that cultural competence training improves translation accuracy (coefficient of 0.75), acceptability (average rating of 4.0), and readability (average rating of 4.1). The analysis also found that students with higher cultural competence demonstrated better handling of cultural references in the text, resulting in more accurate and contextually appropriate translations. The novelty of this study lies in its emphasis on the interplay between cultural references and competence in translation accuracy, filling a gap in existing research. The findings contribute to the development of translation training programs by highlighting the critical role of cultural awareness in enhancing translation quality. This study provides practical recommendations for improving translator training through focused cultural competence development, ensuring more accurate and readable translations in both academic and professional contexts.